THE LABOUR MANIFESTO.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12724, 21 February 1910, Page 3

THE LABOUR MANIFESTO.

PRESS COMMENTS. O'BRIENITES A*ND THE BUDGET. [Press Association— Copyright. J London, Feb 18. Mr Barnes' statement with regard to the relations between the Labour party and the Government is the more noteworthy after Mr Keir Hardies recent declaration ' that the. Labour party would support the Government in whatever course it might take in connection with the Budget and tho Lords' veto. The "Morning Leader" declares that it is now clear that Mr Asquith cannot remain in office unless he tells the King plainly that the whole of his composite party require the Lords' veto as the immediate issue. The paper adds that the crisis is due to a statement circulated in the lobbies that Mr Asquith intended to explain to the House of Commons on Monday that the word "safeguards" in his Albert Hall speech referred sofely to legislation. . The "Manchester Guardian" says that unless the difficulty is removed the Government will be forced to choose between resignation and retaing office-on the basis of Unionist support, and that this would not be less calamitous than a direct defeat of the Liberals. The' paper adds that the elections in the North of England were fought upon Mr Asquith's Albert Hall declaration. "Freeman's Journal" says: "There is every probability of a general election in six weeks or two months." The "Chronicle" claims that Ministers cannot constitutionally give the King the advice which Mr Barnes suggests. The "Globe" says that-Mr Asquith may surrender to the party of revolution or appeal to the patriotism of the Unionists to extricate him. . ( In the House of Lords Lord Newton will give notice for a debate on an earr ly day on Lord Rosebery's Committee's recommendations for House of Lords' Reform. . . It is reported that Messrs O'Brien and Hoaly will insist on dividing the House upon every item in the Budget touching Ireland and increased taxation.